Keeping on track

The sense of direction has been discovered, and from now on the motivation, dedication, and the sense of discipline would be automatically self-controlled to a large extent. Feedback (inside any system) is an essential function in human life, and in nature. A system is essentially of two types: open and closed. Our leaders (in any field) have to learn more about this ventilation system. The period of fall-outs is over, and it is time to get down to the serious business, compared to the huge systems losses encountered earlier from time to time.

With this background in mind, it is very tempting to compare the deplorable state of our political culture, which is showing no signs of improvement. Two vital ingredients are missing: competition, and diversification. The new entrants have limited options. Opposing these two parties is taxing the people of the smaller parties, and calls for a lot of patience and suffering. Now the rules of the game are changing, with the intrusion of violence and religion.

The monopoly controlled by the two big parties is harming the growth of healthy politics. This bipartisan polarisation is inhibiting the new dedicated entrants to be new, bold and beautiful. The viruses are the evil godfathers hidden within the current political system.

We are following unnatural procedures, like the suspect neutral non-political caretaker government system (CTG). It is not a purification filter, but it is jarring on the other smaller parties. The cost of politicking has gone up in the LDCs, which few newcomers can afford. There are many chicken-or-egg situations in life. In public service, such situations introduce systems losses--akin to reinventing politics. We do not follow the natural laws, and the man-made laws cannot be imposed universally, as in economics, politics, and human rights.

Is the CTG similar to the third umpire system introduced in cricket? No. It is a magnification unit, employing slow-motion study, like finger-print or DNA test, offering better accuracy in judgement roles. Are the umpiring rules being changed in local politics? Why? CTG is similar to the digital analysis of suspect bowling actions? There appears to be too many leg-before appeals in our politics. How to curb this unwanted exuberance? The political experts may guide the voters on such issues, for formation of correct public opinion.

Now the pre-election campaigns are warming up. This is the time to impose regulatory practices, duly edited from the experience gained so far on the Dhaka political turf.

The millions of voters would love to see some laundering of dirty politics. But how the washerman cleans his hands? It is all so frustrating--this beating about the bush?